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Posted on: August 21, 2015

Commonly Asked Outdoor Warning Siren Questions and Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the Village of Lombard’s Outdoor Warning Siren System?A: The Village of Lombard’s Outdoor Warning Siren system is used to alert people who are outdoors to take cover immediately due to possible impending dangerous weather.

These sirens are not designed to be heard by residents already indoors, and are not intended to serve as an alert for those already inside. Q: Why wasn’t I able to hear one of these Outdoor Warning Sirens from inside of my home? A: Outdoor Warning Sirens are designed to alert people who are outside and who might be away from media sources, of severe weather conditions and to take shelter immediately, go indoors and seek out a reliable weather news source. Q: Who determines when these Sirens are activated? A: The Sirens are activated by the DuPage County Public Safety Communications (DU COMM) in Glendale Heights or by the Village of Lombard’s Emergency Communications Center, located at Village Hall. Sirens are activated when severe weather is detected in the area which meets pre-determined criteria for siren activation Q: How often are the Village’s Outdoor Warning Sirens tested? A: The Village tests the sirens on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. to ensure operation. Q: What can I do to increase my own safety during weather emergency situation if I’m indoors? A: The National Weather Service has a warning system to help keep people informed, and warnings are issued on TV and radio broadcasts. Weather Alert Radios broadcast only weather information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and from the National Weather Service and will provide ongoing weather updates. For a recommended severe weather safety checklist please refer to NOAA’s website Q: What is the difference between a Watch and a Warning? A: A “watch” means that you should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions and a “warning” means that severe weather is currently happening in your area. A Tornado Watch means that conditions may possibly produce a tornado, and a Tornado Warning means a tornado has been identified. For more information regarding watches and warnings please refer to the National Weather Service website